GeoTesting Express (GTX) Helps Build the Next Generation of the Australian Energy System

GeoTesting Express (GTX) is providing rock testing support for the project of the Snowy Mountains Hydro-electric Scheme.

The Snowy Mountains Hydro-electric Scheme, located in the Kosciuszko National Park in New South Wales, Australia, is made up of 16 dams, seven power stations, and 225km of tunnels. In March 2017, the Australian government proposed a Scheme expansion plan, known as the Snowy 2.0 project, which involves boring 27km of tunnels linking the Talbingo dam to the Tantangara reservoir. A mix of tunnel boring machines, as well as drill and blast techniques will be used for the tunneling and excavation of the 10-meter diameter tunnels at depths up to 1 kilometer. The expansion will increase the Scheme by 2,000 megawatts, enough to power 500,000 homes.

GeoTesting Express (GTX) is providing rock testing support for the project. Results of our testing will be used to design the tunnel boring machines and determine other rock excavation approaches. GTX has performed testing to determine rock behavior, including drillability tests (by the NTNU method), CERCHAR Abrasivity Index tests, and Punch Penetration. The proposed tunnel alignment passes through nine rock formations, including both sedimentary and igneous rocks. The changing geology has required that we test 152 samples from 24 borings so far and drilling is not yet complete so more testing is on the way.

Jon Campbell, GTX Assistant Lab Manager, is leading the rock testing program for the Snowy 2.0 project. In spite of 10,065 miles between GTX and our client and a 14-hour time difference, the test program has proceeded very smoothly. We are thrilled to be involved with this amazing project and look forward to continuing and completing the rock testing support needs of the project team.